STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Portland could reach temperatures as high as 115 degrees, breaking a 107-degree record set in 1981.  Seattle could see a temperature of 107, after having hit 100 degrees just three times before.

Boise could get six days of triple-digit heat, peaking at 106 degrees on Wednesday when Ketchum gets up to 96 degrees. And Idahoans could be looking at 110 to 112 degrees in the Snake River Basin this week.

All of this has prompted health districts in southern Idaho to issue an excessive heat advisory for the coming week.

Several days of triple-digit temperatures from Wednesday, June 30, through Monday, July 5, could spell danger for some of the population, said Brianna Bodily, a spokesperson for South Central Public Health District.

The Pacific Northwest should be having temperatures around 70 degrees right now. But, instead, nighttime temperatures only are supposed to dip into the 70s as daytime temperatures hit 30 degrees above normal.   And forecasters project temperatures could hit 104 in some areas of British Columbia and Alberta next week as the heatwave reaches the Arctic Circle

Excessive heat warnings are being made for northern California, as well as Idaho, Washington and Oregon because of a heat dome baking the area.

More than 600 people die every year from the heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In fact, heat is the leading case of weather-related deaths most years.

During a heat wave it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun in the hottest part of the day and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children, older adults, and pets are at higher risk for heat illness and should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. During hot weather, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

People should wear light, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen and drink water often. Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air conditioning. Work outdoors early or in the evening.

Heat stress, including heat exhaustion and heat strokes, is not uncommon during extremely high temperatures. If you see any signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, seek medical help immediately.

Signs of HEAT EXHAUSTION include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting. Skin may be cool and moist, the pause rate fast and weak and breathing fast and shallow.

Signs of HEAT STROKE include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; red, hot and dry skin with no sweating; a rapid strong pause; throbbing headache, dizziness and nausea.

Anyone experiencing or witnessing any of these signs should seek medical help immediately.